MN IAAI Arson Reward Project

A program of the Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (MN IAAI), the Minnesota Arson Reward Project is administered by a committee appointed by the MN IAAI. The purpose is to deter the crime of arson in Minnesota. This committee shall be known as the Minnesota Arson Reward Project.

RULES AND PROCEDURES (as of March 26, 2014)

The Minnesota Arson Reward Project Committee is authorized to make payments of three types:

An Extraordinary Reward of $2,000 to $5,000 for information or assistance that leads to the arrest of person(s) on a charge of arson.. Such reward will require the unamimous approval and a minimum of five members voting.

An Information Reward of up to $2,000 for information in a meritorious situation with no requirement that the information lead to an arrest. Such reward will require approval of the majority of the committee membership.

A Lesser Reward for Useful Information which could prevent an incendiary fire or aid in catching a person who set one. There is no requirement that the information lead to an arrest. Such reward will require approval of the majority of the committee membership.

The program becomes effective on November 1, 1977. The continuation of the program is not guaranteed and will depend on the availability of funds for the rewards.

The decisions of reward payments and amount of the reward shall rest exclusively in the judgment of the members of the committee.

No person shall be eligible for consideration for any reward unless nominated by a member of the committee, a member of the MN IAAI, or a member of a fire or police department in the State of Minnesota or an employee or agent of an insurance company.

Members of the committee and/or their families shall be ineligible for rewards from this program.

The committee shall develop, and make available, forms on which nominations can be submitted.

Only information on fires within the State of Minnesota are eligible for consideration.

An informant may remain anonymous by using a number for identification purposes. A reward to such a person can be made in cash or by suitable means which will preserve the anonymity of the informant.

Any changes in these rules determined to be of immediacy shall be adopted by simple majority vote of the committee and thereafter submitted to the MN IAAI Board of Directors for review and approval.

The Minnesota Arson Reward Project Application can be accepted on cases that are active or received within 12 months of final disposition.

The Minnesota Arson Reward Project Committee will meet quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Nomination applications must be received by the committee by the 1st day of the months of February, May, August, and November to be acted on at that quartely meeting.

Minnesota Arson Reward Nomination Applications shall be mailed to:

Charlie O’BrienState Farm InsurancePO Box 21038St Paul, MN 55121

Phone: 253-459-8901

Arson Hotline Number: 1-800-723-2020

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division and the MNIAAI Arson Awareness Committeehas released an online Arson Awareness Challenge.